Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for one full-time temporary Field Biologist based out of western Washington working at the Skookumchuck Wind Facility in Thurston and Lewis County.

Since 1990, WEST has grown to be one of the premier environmental and statistical consulting firms in the United States. WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data.

Job Summary:
The position will include conducting post-construction fatality monitoring at operational wind turbines for bird and bat carcasses and conduct searcher efficiency and carcass persistence bias trials. This position is intended to be filled for a year with the opportunity to continue work for consecutive years.

The successful candidate must be an independent, self-motivated individual who is skilled in bird and bat identification. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working in various (often extreme) weather conditions and terrain and have a passion for the outdoors. Experience working around lands actively managed for timber production is recommended and the candidate must be comfortable driving on hazardous logging roads. Successful candidates will have the exciting opportunity to work at the first operational wind energy facility in the United States located west of the Cascade Mountains. A second position may become available Fall of 2020.

Responsibilities Include: 
•    Conduct carcass fatality monitoring and bias trials of birds and bats at the wind facility.
•    Identify all regularly occurring birds of the region by sight.
•    Thorough and clear documentation of all carcasses using paper and digital technology.
•    Ability to maintain high search acuity and awareness in various weather conditions.
•    Safely navigate active logging roads and continuously communicate over a citizens band radio with others regarding your location and driving direction.
•    Because this is an operational energy facility, candidates must have a strong safety ethic and must adhere to all health and safety protocols.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position,

Project Length: June 1, 2020 – May 1, 2021 with opportunities for extension
Schedule: Variable hours during first several months transitioning to full-time hours by July-August, 8+/hrs. day, 40 hrs./wk. by and overtime could be necessary depending on monitoring results.
Housing: The nearest community to the Project is Rainier, WA. Partial housing reimbursement may be provided depending on lodging needs. Options for housing exists in Centralia, Chehalis, Olympia and surrounding communities.
Additional Details: Rental vehicle or mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use will be provided.

Requirements: 
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or directly related environmental field required.
•    At least one field season (i.e., > 3 months) of field experience in recording and collection of observational data with an emphasis in ornithological studies.
•    Candidates must be able to identify all regularly occurring birds and bats of the region.
•    Proficient use of maps, compass, rangefinder, GPS, and other standard field equipment required.
•    Must be able to start work on time and maintain focus for long periods of time; follow instructions from manager and team leader, maintain a positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
•    Precise and thorough data collection is required.
•    Ability to work independently and interact positively with co-workers, site personnel, and overall dedication to excellence and sense of pride in their work.
•    Candidate must be able to cooperate positively with coworkers and site personnel. Work involves frequent interaction with coworkers and site personnel and the employee must be able to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

Physical Requirements:
•    Candidates must be in physical shape that allows walking several miles over uneven terrains often in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
•    Candidate must be comfortable with hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, wildlife, hiking in rugged terrain, and continuous rain).
•    Candidate must provide their own steel-toed boots; other safety gear such as hard hat, glasses, gloves, and vest will be provided.

Successful candidates must be able to pass a background check; a pre-employment drug screen; and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company.  A valid driver’s license will be required.  Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

WEST is an employee-owned organization with a tradition of professional integrity dedicated to a family atmosphere and a diverse workforce.

Key Benefits:
•    Competitive salary – base pay commensurate on work experience
•    Comprehensive Medical (if working 30 or more hours a week)
•    SEP/IRA (100% employer contributions, after initial eligibility requirements are met)

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.  Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.